Del Zotto (Wrist), Williams (Neck) Hurt In Whale Win

When the season began the expectations for Michael Del Zotto coming off an excellent offensive rookie season were very high. The plan was for him to remain a top four defenseman for the club, and be the power play quarterback, but that plan has failed for this season. It has been a tumultuous sophomore season in which he struggled with his play on the ice and then his confidence. Things got to the point where the Rangers sent him down in early January to work on his game and while he was better when he came back, he was still not where he needs to be. With the Rangers trading for Byran McCabe over the weekend they decided to send Del Zotto down to Connecticut to work on his game and get plenty of ice time. It appears that plan might be out the window now as well.

Per Mitch Beck at Howlings Del Zotto was slashed on the wrist during tonight’s game and did not return to action. After the game he was wearing a splint and had the hand wrapped. The hand/wrist will be evaluated by a hand specialist today so there should be more information available at that point. Hopefully it will be good news and there is just bruising, but always have to be prepared for more costly news.

Also injured in the game was Jeremy Williams who was hit into the boards during the first period and had to be taken off the ice on a stretcher. Also via Howlings, the initial reports on Williams are good and he was said to be joking with teammates.

Wishing the best to both players as the Rangers injury curse for 2010-11 just continues to spread.